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Plasma universeTraditionally the views on the cosmic environent have been based on observations in the visual octave of the electromagnetic spectrum, during the last half-century supplemented by infrared and radio observations. Space research has opened the full spectrum. Of special importance are the X-ray-gamma-ray regions, in which a number of unexpected phenomena have been discovered. Radiations in these regions are likely to originate mainly from magnetised cosmic plasmas. Such a medium may also emit synchrotron radiation which is observable in the radio region. If a model of the universe is based on the plasma phenomena mentioned it is found that the plasma universe is drastically different from the traditional visual universe. Information about the plasma universe can also be obtained by extrapolation of laboratory experiments and magnetospheric in situ measurements of plasmas. This approach is possible because it is likely that the basic properties of plasmas are the same everywhere. In order to test the usefulness of the plasma universe model it is applied to cosmogony. Such an approach seems to be rather successful. For example, the complicated structure of the Saturnian C ring can be accounted for. It is possible to reconstruct certain phenomena 4 to 5 billions of years ago with an accuracy of better than 1%.
Document ID
19870010654
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Alfven, H.
(Royal Inst. of Tech. Stockholm, Sweden)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: JPL, Space Technology Plasma Issues in 2001
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
87N20087
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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